OAU Kilonshele News Outfit

Abdulbasit Abdulkareem In an exclusive interview with OAU Kilonshele, Mr. Daniel Ogunkeye, a post-graduate student researcher and principal partner of a newly commissioned waste water treatment research hub at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), insights into the project's genesis, challenges, and future prospects were unveiled. Mr. Ogunkeye shed light on the significance of the project, stating, "The project commissioned today is a designed waste water treatment. It's a pilot plant." He elaborated on the project's inception, emphasizing the need to address the inadequate waste management systems prevalent in older buildings on campus, juxtaposed with newer facilities utilizing septic pits. As a solution, Mr. Ogunkeye spearheaded the establishment of a sewage treatment plant, with the ETF Hall serving as a pilot project. In addressing his role in facilitating the project, Mr. Ogunkeye remarked, "I am a Postgraduate student and the princi...

Abdulbasit Abdulkareem  Towards addressing internal challenges, the Waste Water Research Hub was officially commissioned today at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof A.S Bamire. The hub, donated by Post-graduate student researcher and university alumnus, Mr. Ogunkeye Daniel Oladepo, aims to spearhead innovative solutions in wastewater treatment within the university premises. Supervised by the distinguished Prof (Mrs) E.F Aransiola from the Department of Chemical Engineering, the establishment of the research hub marks a pivotal moment in OAU's commitment to academic excellence and problem-solving. Speaking at the event, Vice-Chancellor Prof A.S Bamire expressed his elation towards the project, stating, "I am thrilled about the initiative showcased by Mr. Ogunkeye Daniel Oladepo and his team. This research hub is a testament to our dedication to identifying and addressing critical issues within our institution." Acknowledg...

Abdulbasit Abdulkareem A memo purportedly issued by the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) regarding the outbreak of Viral Haemorrhagic Fever (VHF) has sparked confusion among the public due to its misdated year of 2023. However, a conversation with OAUTHC's Head of Corporate Services, Oluwakemi Fasoto, confirmed the authenticity of the memo while clarifying the erroneous dating. The memo, bearing the reference number OAUTHC/CS/70/VOL.IV/302 dated 23rd February 2023, was addressed to all members of staff and heads of departments, raising alarm about the recent outbreak of Viral Haemorrhagic Fever attributed to Lassa fever within the nation. The memo highlighted the contagious and potentially life-threatening nature of VHF, emphasizing the importance of immediate precautionary measures to safeguard the safety and well-being of staff, patients, and visitors. The Management urged strict adherence to precautionary measures such as freq...

Adeniran Tolulope   The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic Financial Crime Commission had convicted and Sentenced two Undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University, to jail term for Internet Fraudulent activities. EFCC disclosed this on Tuesday on its X Handle. According to the statement released by the Enforcement agency, Gbolahan Adesina and Perekebena Micah, Undergraduates of Obafemi Awolowo University were pronounced guilty of a one-count charge. Recall that, On November 6th, 2023, 11 OAU Students were arraigned for engaging in Internet Fraudulent activities. Two of the students, Micah and Gbolahan pleaded not guilty to the charges, after which the Cases were adjourned. Consequently, after a re-arraignment on Tuesday, February 13th, they plead guilty to the amended charges read to them. The judge, Justice Ayo Emmanuel after listening to counsels therefore convicted and sentenced the two OAU Students, Gbolahan and Micah to one year of imprisonment without an...

Adeniran Tolulope   A Veterinary technologist, Mr Olawuyi Olabode, has died as a result of a lion attack at the zoological garden on Monday. The staff was feeding the lions in their den before the lion resorted to devouring the lecturer. Other staff, who were present at the zoological garden, made efforts to stop the lion from causing further harm, but the efforts proved abortive as the lion already caused severe fatalities.   The vice Chancellor, Professor Bamire, upon hearing the incident, ended an ongoing meeting with other members of the University management.  Debunking earlier claims that the lion escaped into the campus environment, the P.R.O. stated that the lion was euthanized thereafter. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Simeon Bamire, therefore ordered an investigation to be carried out into the incident to find out the cause of the incident. He sent a delegation to the families of the deceased to share the management's condolence with them and encourage th...

Abdulbasit Abdulkareem The Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) in Ile-Ife continues to be engulfed in turmoil as tensions escalate between the management and unpaid workers, amidst allegations of mismanagement and injustice surrounding the 2022 recruitment exercise. In a bid to address the growing concerns and misconceptions, the OAUTHC management issued a public statement shedding light on the recruitment process. According to the statement, the recruitment exercise was conducted under the direct supervision and guidance of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoH&SW), Abuja.  However, the process was marred by disruptions caused by miscreants and armed protesters, who forcefully occupied hospital premises, obstructing the interview process and posing security threats. The management said Despite efforts by local security personnel to restore order, the situation escalated, prompting the FMoH&SW to issue a directive susp...

Abdulbasit Abdulkareem On Tuesday's session at the House of Representatives, the Honourable representing the people of Ife Federal Constituency, Hon. Taofeek Abimbola Ajilesoro, spearheaded a motion addressing the distressing situation surrounding the abrupt termination of employment for recently hired staff at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC). The motion shed light on the circumstances under which these individuals were sacked, raising concerns about fairness, procedural transparency, and the significant impact on the affected employees and their families. Members of the HOR engaged in a robust discussion, expressing solidarity with the affected workers and advocating for a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future. The motion emphasized the importance of upholding labour rights and ensuring due process in employment matters across all sectors.  Furthermore, ...

Abdulbasit Abdulkareem   The atmosphere at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) turned tumultuous today as unpaid staff persisted in their demand for the settlement of 14-month overdue salaries. However, the scene took a distressing turn as tear gas canisters and gunfire echoed throughout the hospital premises in an attempt to disperse the protesting employees. In an unfortunate escalation of events, law enforcement officers deployed to manage the demonstration resorted to the use of tear gas, unleashing a cloud of noxious fumes within the hospital grounds. Shockingly, reports emerged of gunfire erupting amidst the chaos, further heightening tensions and instilling fear among the demonstrators. Video: Law Enforcement Officers shut gùn, tear gas into the air.   Among those affected, Mr. Odusanya Olusegun Abayomi, voiced the collective frustration, asserting, "We were committed to our work, we dedicated our resources to the work so our 14...

Abdulbasit Abdulkareem Samson Falope, speaking on behalf of the unpaid staff of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, delivered a resolute message on Sunday, 11th February 2024. He highlighted the association's congress' key grievances and resolutions regarding recent developments within the institution. He expressed deep concern over what they perceive as an erosion of OAUTHC's identity under the leadership of CMD Prof. Okeniyi. They cited instances of anonymous releases and counter-releases regarding critical matters such as the "suitability test." The absence of official letterhead paper and the prevalence of unsigned memos have fueled suspicions, prompting the staff to question the legitimacy of information emanating from the institution. Furthermore, the staff vehemently opposed the proposed suitability test by the CMD, Prof. Okeniyi, asserting its incompatibility with Nigerian labor laws. They a...

Habeebulah Salawu The lecture-free week is here, that period of the semester that comes only once and is a thunderous reminder that the exam period is right about the corner. A shared experience among a few students has been that the lecture-free week seems to fly very fast. What we chose to do with this information is our choice but the best would be for us to maximize this period before it flies away. Here are a few tips on how to make good use of this period ● Have an overview by creating a study system/timetable: The lecture-free week is limited and hence it is important to allocate the time available to specific studying activities as time management is all about assigning our tasks within a specified time or period. ● Prioritize: A big tip would be to assign importance or give more attention to how we approach some courses over others this may be because they carry more academic weight or to compensate for the mid-semester test, however, it is important to prepare, st...

Abdulbasit Abdulkareem The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has extended financial relief to disengaged staff members of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife. Addressing the aggrieved individuals who gathered at his Palace on Monday, Ooni Ogunwusi announced a donation of N10 million alongside 1,000 bags of rice. Expressing empathy towards the disengaged workers, the monarch assured them of his commitment to addressing the crisis, stating, "It is your right to fight and agitate because injustice has been done to you all, but I want you to apply wisdom to achieve beneficial results." Emphasizing his dedication to resolving the issue, he pledged the support of both himself and the ancient throne of Oduduwa, declaring, "I am dedicating myself and the ancient throne of Oduduwa to fight this fight to a logical conclusion." Ooni Ogunwusi commended the demonstrators for upholding the core Omoluabi eth...

Rt. Hon. Akinyode OYEWUSI, Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, took charge as he led a delegation from Ife Federal Constituency to engage with the recently sacked staff at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTHC). In his address to the protesters, Hon. OYEWUSI commended their peaceful demonstration in response to the disengagement and unpaid salaries spanning over 14 months. The Deputy Speaker assured them that efforts were underway to address the situation. During the meeting, Hon. OYEWUSI and his team also had discussions with Dr. John Okeniyi, the Chief Medical Director of OAUTHC, in an attempt to find common ground regarding staff disengagement. Hon. OYEWUSI urged the protesters to remain calm, emphasizing ongoing efforts at the federal level with Hon. Taofeek Ajilesoro (MHR Ife Federal Constituency) and Sen. Francis Fadahunsi (Senator representing Ife/Ijesha Senatorial District). Furthermore, Hon. OYEWUSI stated that the entire Osun State H...

Abdulbasit Abdulkareem The management of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTHC) has disclosed a recruitment scandal involving the immediate past top echelons of the institution, leading to a crisis within the hospital complex. The revelation comes amidst protests by approximately 1500 sacked workers who have picketed the hospital premises, demanding the withdrawal of their dismissal letters and payment of arrears. According to a statement issued by the hospital's management, through the Public Relations Officer, Kemi Fasoto, which was made available on its website, senior officers, including the erstwhile Acting Chief Medical Director, Acting Director of Administration, and Head of Establishment, were suspended for illegal recruitment practices. The statement alleges that some of these officers even engaged in inappropriate conduct, including sleeping with female workers in exchange for employment. Read also: OAUTHC CMD ACCUSES PREDECESSOR OF UNLAWFUL...

Abdulbasit Abdulkareem The National Association of Food Science and Technology Students, Obafemi Awolowo University (NAFSTS OAU) Chapter, clinched three top prizes on Friday at the Quiz competition held during the Food Week event organized by the National Association of Food Science and Technology Students, University of Osun State. The event, themed 'Food sustainability, the role of food science and technology,' unfolded at the prestigious Olagunsoye Oyinlola Hall. Representing NAFSTS OAU at the inter-varsity competition hosted by Osun State University, Osogbo, the team showcased exceptional knowledge and expertise.  Participants from NAFSTS OAU included Alabi Justice (Part 4), Abisoye Oyinkansola (Part 5), Oluwatola Joshua (Part 5), Oladepo Deborah (Part 3), Adebayo Ifeoluwa (Part 3), led by the NAFSTS OAU President, Oduwaiye Clinton (Part 5). Facing off against the representatives of the host school, NAFSTS OAU emerged victorious, securing all prizes across vario...

Abdulbasit Abdulkareem Prof John Okeniyi, The Chief Medical Director of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), has accused his formrr CMD, Dr Olumuyiwa Owojuyigbe, of violating due process in the recruitment waiver approved for the hospital. Speaking at an online press conference on Friday, Okeniyi disclosed that a waiver to recruit 450 staff was obtained from the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. However, Okeniyi alleged that the previous administration had engaged in illegal recruitment, hiring a staggering 2,423 personnel instead of the approved 450. He claimed that the recruitment process lacked due diligence, with many appointed individuals not meeting basic qualifications or National Youth Service Corps requirements. The CMD pointed out that the majority of the recruits had not been interviewed, and screening was conducted without valid applications. He asserted instances of abuse of womanhood and dehumanization through sexual favors...

Abdulbasit Abdulkareem Employees of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) continued their protest for the second consecutive day, with a notable interlude for Jumu'ah prayer at the protest ground. The ongoing demonstration, triggered by months of enduring work without pay, has brought attention to the financial struggles faced by the embattled staff members. The protesters, undeterred by the challenges they face, assembled in front of OAUTHC, where they observed the Jumu'ah prayer as a collective expression of unity and determination. The protest, which began on Thursday, saw the protesters wielding placards with compelling messages such as "Pay us our salary OAUTHC" and "Our demand is clear. Pay our 14 months' salary." These slogans reflect the depth of frustration and the unwavering call for justice among the unpaid staff. Notably, the struggle and demonstration were sustained until late into the night yesterday,...

Abdulbasit Abdulkareem Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) is grappling with a crisis as the Association of Unpaid Staff (AOUS) releases a communique in response to the management's reaction following a peaceful protest regarding the non-payment of fourteen months' salary. In the wake of yesterday's demonstration by disgruntled workers, who endured several months without pay, the Association of Unpaid Staff (AOUS) has issued a communique challenging the explanations given by OAUTHC management. The core concern expressed by AOUS revolves around broader issues in the Nigerian educational system, specifically questioning the credibility of professors and leadership roles in health institutions. The controversy deepens with the Chief Medical Director, Mr. Okeniyi John, being at the center of the storm. AOUS questions the legality of the employment of 2,054 individuals since June 2022, asserting that some were paid while others were left wit...

Abdulbasit Abdulkareem Some of the embattled staff members at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) were seen protesting on Thursday after enduring several months of working without pay. The disgruntled workers, holding placards with compelling inscriptions, voiced their demands on the hospital's premises. The placards bore messages such as “Pay us our salary OAUTHC,” “Our demand is clear. Pay our 14 months salary,” “Our 14-month salary or nothing else,” “Say no to injustice,” and “We own this country together.” These expressions reflect the deep-seated discontent among the affected staff members, highlighting their financial struggles and a call for justice. This protest follows a recent report by OAU Kilonshele, which detailed the termination of employment for more than 2,000 individuals by the management of Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital Complex. The terminations were reportedly linked to fraudulent activities related to jo...

Abdulbasit Abdulkareem The management of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) has terminated the employment of over 2,000 individuals purportedly engaged in fraudulent activities related to job racketeering between 2022 and 2023. The decision to sack these health workers is based on an alleged violation of Section 100401 of the Public Service Rules. The management revealed that despite obtaining a waiver from the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, to employ 450 health workers, the recruitment process was tainted by rampant job racketeering. A memo released with reference number OAUTHC/160/VOL.II/272 and signed by Acting Director of Administration, Mr O.O OMONIJE, outlined that a Fact-Finding Panel from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare conducted official investigations between September 11th and 15th, 2023. The probe exposed irregularities, including recruitment outside the approved waiver and nume...